By April Barthel
Upon reading Mr. Stangland”s plea for highway workers” safety I was of course shocked and dismayed that drivers did not stop to help the injured county public works employee. My best wishes for his recovery. I am sure his family, co-workers, and friends are extremely grateful to the employees at Rotten Robbie”s for responding to the situation and aiding the worker.
Actually we should all be grateful to the Rotten Robbie staff because that is the kind of human interaction we all need when in a serious situation and unable to help ourselves. As the spouse of a retired City of Lakeport public works employee, I know of many times during my husband”s 27 years of dedicated service that while out on the streets of Lakeport he could have been injured by drivers who just did not pay attention or sometimes ignored the traffic control measures (signs, cones, barriers, men holding signs, etc.).
It sometimes took longer to set up for a street project than to actually make the repairs because of the safety regulations that must be followed. One particular incident stands out in my mind. While performing flagging duties on Hartley Road my husband had to literally dive into the bushes along the side of the road because of a speeding driver who more than likely would have hit him. Her response was to yell expletives at my husband rather then apologize for almost taking him out. I don”t think about what the outcome could have been if it were not for his quick reaction.
As we are attending to our daily agendas it is easy to become distracted and, while driving, this can be dangerous, as most vehicular accidents are caused by poor driver judgment or distractions. I doubt that the drivers who passed the injured worker were intentional in their seeming lack of care. Maybe they didn”t pay attention, were in a hurry, or figured someone else would be the good samaritan.
I think most people would want someone to help them, a loved one or a friend if injured or in obvious need. Our own personal safety, as well as the safety of others, is more important then being late for work, appointments or business meetings. The dedicated highway workers, be they employed by Caltrans, the county, city or private companies, need all of us to give them our respect and gratitude. They depend on courteous, attentive drivers to help keep them safe as the “Road Work Ahead” signs and cones only are a part of a safe work zone.
April Barthel
Kelseyville
